Maple Leafs Lock In Goalie Dennis Hildeby with Three-Year Deal
The Toronto Maple Leafs have made it official — their giant goaltender Dennis Hildeby is staying put. The club announced that Hildeby has been signed to a three-year contract extension, a move that signals how much faith the team has in his development and potential role in the crease.
The structure of the deal is interesting. For the first two seasons, 2025–26 and 2026–27, it’s a two-way contract. That means his salary will be different depending on whether he’s playing in the NHL with the Leafs or in the AHL with the Toronto Marlies. But by the third year, 2027–28, the contract becomes one-way, ensuring Hildeby will be paid at the full NHL rate regardless of where he plays. The average annual value is set at just over $841,000, making it a manageable cap hit for the Leafs.
Also Read:Hildeby, who is just 24 years old, has already shown flashes of what he can do. Standing at a towering six-foot-seven and weighing 224 pounds, he brings a presence to the net that few other goalies can match. Fans got a taste of his NHL play last season when he was called upon during stretches when regular goalies Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz were sidelined. Hildeby suited up for six games with the Leafs, going 3–3–0, though his save percentage sat at .878 with a goals-against average of 3.33. While those numbers weren’t stellar, they did show he could handle the pressure of the big stage when asked.
Most of his time was spent with the Marlies, where his performance was steadier. Over 30 games in the AHL last season, Hildeby posted a solid 16–9–4 record, maintaining a 2.55 goals-against average, a .908 save percentage, and two shutouts. That consistency was enough to earn him recognition at the AHL All-Star Classic for the second straight year, which is no small feat.
His career with the Marlies so far tells a story of growth. In 73 regular-season games, he’s put together a 37–21–11 record, with six shutouts and reliable numbers across the board. He’s also gotten playoff experience, though his Calder Cup stats — a 1–3 record with a .895 save percentage — show there’s still room for improvement in those high-pressure moments.
Drafted by Toronto in the fourth round back in 2022, Hildeby has been quietly developing into a dependable option. Now, with this new contract, the Leafs are essentially signaling that they see him as more than just a short-term backup. He may not be the starter right away, but the team clearly envisions him as a bigger part of their goaltending future.
For fans, this move provides stability in a position that has often been a question mark for the Leafs. Hildeby’s size, experience, and steady progress make him a unique piece of the puzzle. Whether he spends more time with the Marlies or becomes a regular fixture in the Leafs’ crease, one thing is certain — Toronto plans to keep the “Hildebeast” in blue and white for years to come.
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